Welcome to ReUp’s “Four Questions With…” series, where we spotlight the people behind our partner institutions. This month, we’re talking with Hudson County Community College (HCCC) — a public community college in Jersey City, New Jersey, making significant strides in re-enrolling adult learners.

Dr. Bernadette So, Dean of Student Success, and Matthew Fessler, Dean of Enrollment, share their insights on creating a welcoming environment for returning learners, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the songs they’d add to an adult learner comeback playlist.

Dr. Bernadette So, Dean of Student Success, and Matthew Fessler, Dean of Enrollment, share their insights on creating a welcoming environment for returning learners, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the songs they’d add to an adult learner comeback playlist.

What led your institution to make adult learner re-enrollment a strategic priority?

HCCC: When the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education of New Jersey announced a statewide Some College, No Degree (SCND) initiative, HCCC moved quickly to be part of it — and has served as a co-lead since 2023. That opportunity also opened the door to a related initiative with Jobs for the Future and Achieving the Dream focused on improving economic mobility for adult learners.

But beyond the initiatives themselves, this work aligns deeply with who HCCC serves. Many students — whether new or returning — carry commitments to work and family that are just as significant as their commitment to school. Those responsibilities can delay a student’s start, limit their course load, or lead to a pause. HCCC can’t remove those commitments, but they can make sure students know they’ll be supported when they’re ready to return.

Which outcomes or successes are you most proud to share?

HCCC: Since launching the SCND initiative in 2023, HCCC has engaged nearly 4,400 adults, resulting in 2,247 re-enrollments and 287 graduates who returned to complete their studies.

A key driver of that success was the Restart Scholars pilot program in Spring 2024, which served 388 students through personalized advising and stipends tied to student success milestones. With nearly 60% of participants retained, the population was later integrated into the College’s larger Hudson Scholars program to expand ongoing support.

Additional efforts include:

• “Eat, Learn, and Return” events that reconnect returning adults with the College through presentations, personalized guidance, and one-on-one support
• Geo-targeted marketing campaigns using email, streaming, and social media — the first time in the institution’s history that communications were tailored specifically for adults with SCND — driving thousands of visits to a dedicated landing page
• Expanded Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities through faculty collaboration and the implementation of CAEL Predictor Pro to help adult learners accelerate progress toward degree completion

While proud of the progress made, the HCCC team recognizes this work is ongoing and remains committed to expanding support for adults with SCND.

What’s an “aha” moment you’ve had while working on re-enrollment?

Bernadette: In many ways, higher education is designed for the student who can fully devote themselves to school — someone who never took an academic break and enrolled during business hours. When our team shared the concerns that students had about feeling like they belonged, it reminded me of how I felt when I was working full-time and taking classes.

“The classroom suddenly looked very different, and what I had to share was not the same as my classmates. Even though different perspectives ultimately make the learning experience better for all, it is hard as a returning student to know that what you share is valuable.”

That reminder has shifted how we think about our work — not just how we get students to re-enroll, but how we support them to fully return so they’re willing and open to contributing in the classroom.

Matthew: Through the Restart Scholars program, we learned something important about what truly motivates returning adult learners. While the program offered financial stipends, many participants shared that the most meaningful aspect was their relationship with their academic counselor.

“What mattered most was having someone who genuinely supported them, believed in their potential, and was ‘in their corner.'”

For many returning adults balancing work, family, and past academic challenges, that human connection became the driving force behind their persistence. Financial incentives can help remove barriers — but it’s often the personal connection that inspires students to return, stay engaged, and succeed.

If you could suggest one song for an adult learner comeback playlist, what would it be?   

Bernadette: “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley.

Something that I have always told students is that education never goes away, so they shouldn’t be afraid of going away from it if they need to. I think there is a lot of fear around taking a break, intentional or unintentional, but the reality is that if you have an educational goal, you will find a way to come back to it. So, if higher education could be a person who could remind students to come back when they’re ready no matter when that is, then I think it would sound like “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Matthew: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

This song perfectly captures the mindset of returning adult learners who are stepping back into school after time away, often balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. The message is about seizing a moment, pushing past doubt, and proving to yourself that you can do it. It speaks to the idea that it’s never too late to step up and change your trajectory, which aligns closely with the journey many SCND students take when they come back to complete their degree.